Getting Into “The Zone”

From left to right: Víkingur Ólafsson performing Philip Glass’s Étude 6; trailer for the Metropolitan Opera production of  Akhnaten by Philip Glass; a performance of Händel’s “Pena, tiranna” from the opera Amadigi di Gaula by Anthony Roth  Costanza as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s At Home Gala; an interview of Costanzo with Joyce Di Donato during  intermission of a performance of Akhnaten

Today, I would like to talk about how artists can concentrate and get into the zone just before  they play the first note of their performance. 

Víkingur Ólafsson is one of the pianists scheduled to appear at Carnegie Hall this season, and I  had previously heard him perform in person in Tokyo. It was a recital of Philip Glass's works at  the Blue Rose (small hall) of Suntory Hall in 2018. This was the program: 

Glass: Opening from "Glassworks" 
Glass: Etudes No. 9, 2, 3, 15, 13, 5, 6 

His very clear, elegant tone and high level of technique were wonderful, and I really enjoyed the  performance. He interspersed the performance with comments about Glass's works, while guiding us into the world of Glass with his very focused playing. 

When speaking of Philip Glass, one is immediately reminded of his opera Akhnaten, which had its  premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in November of 2019. I had the opportunity to see it at a  cinema in Tokyo, and it became one of my favorites, as it was truly remarkable. The role of  Akhnaten was performed by the countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo.  

During the pandemic, Costanzo also appeared in the Metropolitan Opera’s At-Home Gala. What  struck me most in that performance was the contrast in his demeanor: before singing, he spoke  in an engaging and friendly manner, yet the instant the music began, his focus shifted entirely into  the world of the song, and his expression transformed completely. (Unfortunately, the video does  not include his interview.) 

During a live performance of Akhnaten he was interviewed by mezzo soprano Joyce Di Donato,  his friend and colleague. I was very impressed by the way in which he was completely comfortable and relaxed even though he still had a great deal of performing to do. It is easy to see his passion  for music and his friendly, cheerful personality, and while some artists might choose to remain  deeply absorbed and focused during an ongoing performance, he instead speaks in a relaxed  and animated manner, creating a very enjoyable atmosphere. 

There are different ways for artists to get into the zone. Some can switch gears in an instant while  joking with those around them, while others are completely focused from the moment they leave  the dressing room. I'm curious to know what my blog readers do when they're concentrating and  in the zone. 

I tend to be more of the type who remains quite serious and focused before a performance. Still, like Anthony Roth Costanzo in his interview, when I am truly convinced by and passionate about  something I love, I also become very eager to talk about it at length. In that sense, I very much  relate to his enthusiasm.  

Whatever one’s style may be, once the music begins, it is the extraordinary focus, combined with  genuine love and passion for the art, that captivates the audience and creates something truly  powerful.

Tap an icon below to share this blog on social media, email, or your favorite messaging app.